The Latest News Last updated Thursday, July 31, 2003 News Archive   |   Latest Reports from Human Rights Watch Contribute to HRW   |   Join the HRW Mailing List Current Events Focus on Human Rights Background on War in Iraq  (July, 2003) Russian Federation / Chechnya: Renewed Catastrophe  (July, 2003) Afghanistan: Human Rights Watch Key Documents  (July, 2003) September 11 Attacks: Crimes Against Humanity The Aftermath (November, 2002) U.S.: Bush Should Sign Prison Rape Legislation (New York, July 31, 2003) President George W. Bush should sign into law the Prison Rape Elimination of Act of 2003, Human Rights Watch said today. The legislation, which passed Congress unanimously on Friday, seeks to protect federal, state, and local prisoners from rape and sexual assault. Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy's Commitment on Child Soldiers (July 30, 2003) -- Human Rights Watch welcomes the June 30 statement from Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) outlining LURD's commitment to end all recruitment of children under age eighteen, to demobilize all LURD soldiers under the age of eighteen, to provide assistance for the rehabilitation and social reintegration of children who have served in LURD, and to discipline any commanders and/or recruiting officers that recruit child soldiers. Djibouti: Release Jailed Opposition Leader (New York, July 30, 2003) The Djibouti government should immediately release journalist and opposition leader Daher Ahmed Farah from prison, cancel the fine levied against him and allow him to resume publishing his newspaper, Human Rights Watch said today. Besieged Writers Receive Awards (New York, July 29, 2003) — A diverse group of 28 writers from 13 countries are receiving Hellman/Hammett grants in recognition of their courage in the face of political persecution, Human Rights Watch said today. Afghanistan: Warlords Implicated in New Abuses (New York, July 29, 2003) - Afghan warlords and political strongmen supported by the United States and other nations are engendering a climate of fear in Afghanistan that is threatening efforts to adopt a new constitution and could derail national elections scheduled for mid-2004, Human Rights Watch said in a new report released today. Israel: Don’t Outlaw Family Life (New York, July 28, 2003) Israeli legislators should reject a discriminatory bill being rushed through the Knesset, Human Rights Watch said today. If passed, the bill would bar Palestinians married to Israelis from living with their spouses in Israel, affecting thousands of couples. Idi Amin at death’s door: Despots should not rest in peace (July 25, 2003)-- Amin is part of a shrinking club of ex-tyrants living safely in exile. Their number includes Amin's equally brutal successor Milton Obote, now in Zambia. Haiti’s Jean-Claude (Baby Doc) Duvalier is hiding out in France. Mengistu Haile Mariam, whose ‘‘Red Terror’’ campaign in Ethiopia targeted tens of thousands of political opponents, now enjoys the protection of President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. Mexico: Fox’s Top Justice Initiative in Jeopardy (Mexico City, July 24, 2003) The Special Prosecutor’s Office investigating past abuses in Mexico could fail unless the government takes immediate and decisive action, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. The investigations have been seriously undermined by limited access to declassified documents and the lack of full cooperation by the military, among other factors. D.R. Congo: Human Rights Defenders Under Attack (New York, July 24, 2003) Human rights defenders in the Democratic Republic of Congo are under increasing attack, Human Rights Watch said in a backgrounder on freedom of expression and freedom of assembly released today. Chile: Court Censors Television Program (Washington, D.C., July 24, 2003) A Chilean court order barring a television station from broadcasting a program about a murder case violates international human rights standards. Mexico: Fox’s Top Justice Initiative in Jeopardy (Mexico City, July 24, 2003) The Special Prosecutor’s Office investigating past abuses in Mexico could fail unless the government takes immediate and decisive action, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today.    en Español D.R. Congo: Human Rights Defenders Under Attack (New York, July 24, 2003) Human rights defenders in the Democratic Republic of Congo are under increasing attack, Human Rights Watch said in a backgrounder on freedom of expression and freedom of assembly released today.    en Français Liberia: International Forces Needed Immediately (New York, July 23, 2003) – West African countries should immediately deploy an international force to Liberia, with the United States providing logistical support and troops on the ground. Joint NGO Statement on the Issue of Illegal Sterilization of Romani Women in Slovakia (July 22, 2003) The NGOs urge the Slovak government to address key problems regarding the investigative process and recommend the formation of an independent commission of inquiry into allegations of illegal sterilization. Guatemala: U.N. Visit Should Advance Investigative Commission (New York, July 22, 2003) The arrival of a U.N. technical team in Guatemala is an important step towards the creation of a commission to investigate and thwart political violence in Guatemala, Human Rights Watch said today. The U.N. team arrived in Guatemala City last week. Nigeria: No Justice For Kaduna Killings (Abuja, July 22, 2003) – Not a single member of the Nigerian police or security forces has been charged with dozens of killings during the “Miss World” riots in Kaduna last November, Human Rights Watch said in a new report released today. Amin Should Have Faced Justice (New York, July 22, 2003) In the future, tyrants like Idi Amin will spend their last years in prison, not in comfortable exile, Human Rights Watch said today.  (Background Briefing) Egypt: Homosexual Prosecutions Overturned (New York, February 21, 2003) A February 17 appeals court ruling in Egypt may signal an increasingly harsh campaign of entrapment, arrest and conviction of men solely on the basis of alleged consensual homosexual conduct, Human Rights Watch said today. Central Asia: EU Should Require Human Rights Progress (Brussels, July 21, 2003) The European Union should press for concrete improvements in human rights when it meets with senior Kazakh and Kyrgyz officials this week, Human Rights Watch said today. Venezuela's Supreme Court Upholds Prior Censorship and "Insult Laws" A decision by the Venezuelan Supreme Court upholding prior censorship is a major setback for freedom of expression, Human Rights Watch said today. ECOWAS: Troops to Liberia Must Respect Human Rights (July 18, 2003) -- Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is poised to send 1,000-1,500 peacekeeping troops to Liberia; we urge you to ensure that this force acts in full accordance with international human rights and humanitarian law, and with a clear mandate to protect civilians and to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. Show Trials are Not the Solution to Saddam's Heinous Reign (July 18, 2003) -- Whatever one thinks of the war to topple Saddam Hussein, the issue of justice for the crimes of his regime is now coming to the fore. In one of its first acts, the new Iraqi Governing Council announced the formation of a commission to establish a tribunal to bring Saddam and his henchmen to justice. Sadly, this is the wrong approach. Coercion, Vote-Buying Taint Cambodia's Elections (Phnom Penh, July 18, 2003) The Cambodian government must order an end to the campaign of threats and intimidation by local officials in the run-up to national elections on July 27, Human Rights Watch said today. Egyptian Activist’s Detention Extended (New York, July 17, 2003) Egypt’s decision to continue the imprisonment without trial of engineer and antiwar activist Ashraf Ibrahim shows the government’s intent to punish and discourage peaceful dissent, Human Rights Watch said today. Human Rights Watch said Ibrahim has been held for three months while a dubious investigation into his use of the Internet proceeds. Uzbekistan: EBRD Should Insist on Reform (Tashkent, July 17, 2003) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) should use its upcoming visit to Tashkent to reaffirm its demands for reforms required by the Uzbek government, Human Rights Watch said today. Russia: Abuses Spread Beyond Chechnya (Moscow, July 16, 2003) Russia’s abusive military operations are spreading from Chechnya to the neighboring province of Ingushetia, Human Rights Watch said today. Iraq: Insecurity Driving Women Indoors (New York, July 16, 2003) The insecurity plaguing Baghdad and other Iraqi cities has a distinct and debilitating impact on the daily lives of women and girls, preventing them from participating in public life at a crucial time in their country's history, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. Letter to President Lagos on Judicial Investigations in Chile (June 15, 2003) -- Human Rights Watch letter in regard to the measures government is currently considering to expedite judicial investigations into the grave human rights violations committed under military rule, and to provide further means of reparation and compensation to relatives of the victims. Iraq: Justice Needs International Role (Baghdad, July 15, 2003) The Judicial Commission established by Iraq's Governing Council is a positive step, but international jurists need to play a prominent role in any courts to ensure their effectiveness and impartiality, Human Rights Watch said today. Guatemala's Former Dictator "Unfit" Candidate for President (New York, July 15, 2003) The decision by Guatemala's highest court to authorize the presidential candidacy of former dictator Efraín Ríos Montt is a disturbing setback for human rights in the region, Human Rights Watch said today. Uganda: Sharp Decline in Human Rights (Kampala, July 15, 2003) Abductions, torture, recruitment of child soldiers, and other abuses have sharply increased in the past year in northern Uganda due to renewed fighting between Ugandan government forces and rebels, a coalition of national and international organizations said in a report released today. Blair Must Raise Rights on China Tour (London, July 15, 2003) British Prime Minister Tony Blair should spotlight human rights and civil liberties on his upcoming visit to China, Human Rights Watch said today. Mr. Blair is scheduled to visit China and Hong Kong from July 22-25. Tibetans Lost in Chinese Legal System (New York, July 15, 2003) -- The recent release of a Tibetan activist is welcome, but Chinese authorities should stop secret trials of other Tibetans, Human Rights Watch said today. Tserang Dondrup was released on July 11 after a year in custody, but little is known about the conditions of his detention or release. What Tony Blair must say in Washington (July 13, 2003) -- The Prime Minister must not pull his punches over the injustice of the proposed US military tribunals for terror suspects. The central issue is not where the trial of the two British prisoners should take place but fair trials for all of those accused of the most serious crimes. Nigeria: Bush Should Condemn Police Brutality (New York, July 10, 2003) - U.S. President George Bush should strongly condemn recent incidents of police brutality when he visits Nigeria, Human Rights Watch urged today. New Chair to Lead Human Rights Watch Board (New York, July 10, 2003) Jane T. Olson, an internationally recognized human rights activist, will become Chair of the Board of Human Rights Watch in January next year, Human Rights Watch announced today. Ms. Olson has been a member of the Board for ten years and co-founded its California Committee of supporters in 1989. Indonesia: New Prisoners of Conscience in the Post-Suharto Era (Jakarta, July 10, 2003) In separate reports released today, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch called for the release of all prisoners of conscience in Indonesia and for the repeal of legislation used to prosecute and imprison activists engaged in peaceful political expression. Bush Should Do the Right Thing in Africa (July 9, 2003) -- But on the continent of Africa, which President Bush is crisscrossing for the first time this week, the U.S. isn't taking the lead. On his trip, President Bush has a chance to decide if the U.S. will play more than a supporting role. China: Police Violence Against HIV-Positive Protestors Escalates (New York, July 9, 2003) - Police in Henan province are increasingly using arbitrary arrests and violence against HIV-positive protestors seeking access to treatment, Human Rights Watch said today. SA stop pivotal to success of Bush's Africa tour (July 8, 2003) -- South Africa is a key stop for the presidential tour. The country has a vital role to play in ensuring that the visit to Africa is not just symbolic - but also addresses the region's most acute problems, including raging regional conflicts and HIV/Aids. Avoiding War Crimes in Iraq (July 8, 2003) Unfortunately, the US seems more interested in questions of justice and accountability for past crimes mainly to the extent that these can be used to vilify the old Iraqi regime and justify its military intervention. It is far less interested in seeking justice for the victims and survivors of Saddam Hussein's tyranny. Colombia: U.S. "Misses an Opportunity"  (Briefing Paper) (New York, July 8, 2003) The U.S. State Department's human rights certification for Colombia does not hold that country accountable for its failure to break persistent links between the military and abusive paramilitary groups, Human Rights Watch said today. Congo: War Is International, Not Local  (Français) (New York, July 8, 2003) The war in Congo has been misdescribed as a local ethnic rivalry when in fact it represents an ongoing struggle for power at the national and international levels, Human Rights Watch said in a new report released today. UN: Global Action Needed on Small Arms (New York, July 7, 2003) The global spread and rampant misuse of small arms and light weapons requires a reinvigorated international response, Human Rights Watch said today. More than 100 governments will gather in New York July 7-11 to assess progress in stemming the trade in small arms since a U.N. Program of Action was agreed two years ago. President Bush's First State Visit to Africa U.S. President George W. Bush will travel to Africa from July 7-12, making stops in Senegal, South Africa, Botswana, Uganda, and Nigeria. Human Rights Watch has produced a series of short briefings on leading issues around the trip and the Bush administration's policy toward Africa's most pressing human rights problems. Liberia: No Immunity for Taylor (New York, July 3, 2003) - If U.S. troops are sent to Liberia, they should not make any deals that involve a withdrawal of the indictment of President Charles Taylor by the Special Court for Sierra Leone, Human Rights Watch said today. Iraq: No Amnesty for Mass Murderers   (Letter) (New York, July 3, 2003) U.S. and U.K. officials should not offer former senior Iraqi leaders amnesty or immunity from prosecution in exchange for providing information on Saddam Hussein or weapons of mass destruction, Human Rights Watch said today. Nigeria: President Must End Impunity for Human Rights Abusers (New York, July 3, 2003) Ending impunity for human rights abuses should top President Obasanjo’s agenda as he begins his second term in office, Human Rights Watch said in an open letter to the Nigerian President today. U.S.: Bush Trip to Africa A brief overview of the Bush administration's policy toward Africa Stop Saudi Executions (New York, July 2, 2003) The government of Saudi Arabia should impose a moratorium on executions until all death penalty cases are independently reviewed, Human Rights Watch said today. U.S.: End Bully Tactics against Court (New York, July 1, 2003) With the expiration of its July 1 deadline to cut off military aid to states supporting the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Bush administration should end its ill-conceived campaign to weaken the court, Human Rights Watch said in a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell. India: Gujarat Massacre Cases Sabotaged New York, June 30, 2003) - The ringleaders of massacres committed in 2002 are still roaming free in Gujarat, Human Rights Watch charged in a new report released today. Migrant Workers Need Protection UN Treaty Comes Into Force (New York, July 1, 2003) - Industrialized countries that benefit economically from migration should sign up to a U.N. treaty strengthening legal protection for migrants and their families.    (Letter) Kazakhstan: Abuse Worsens AIDS Crisis Drug users, sex workers targeted in one of world's worst AIDS epidemics    (Russian) (New York, June 30, 2003) - Human rights abuse against injection drug users and sex workers in Kazakhstan is fueling one of the fastest growing AIDS epidemics in the world, Human Rights Watch said in a new report released today. More...